The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody - Volume 2 - Chapter 37

CHAPTER 37 

The Ex–Demon Lord and a New Beginning 

The Sylphy incident was attributed to the demons. Or rather, Ireena and I used our connections to sweep it under the rug. If we hadn’t, Sylphy would have been made into a villain. To prevent that, we told everyone that she was the victim in the scenario… It was too soon to say if this story would take hold.

On an entirely different note, the Holy Sword Vald-Galgulus was sealed in a way that was virtually the same as before. It was too dangerous. It granted unimaginable power, but on the flip side, it came at a high cost. I had no intention of allowing anyone to wield it ever again.

…But there was always that rare possibility. Taking this into account, I added in a little of my own handiwork…though I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

Now, back to the present.

The school festival had come to an end a few days ago, but its jovial mood lingered over the students who had taken to creating a boisterous racket after school.

Amid all that, I was walking back to the dorm with Ireena, Ginny…and Sylphy in tow.

“U-um, guys… I’ve really caused you a lot of trouble. Again. Please allow me to apologize,” Sylphy began, saying something almost admirable, which was incredibly, extraordinarily unusual.

Ireena and Ginny were gaping at her as one might a rare animal. Meanwhile, Sylphy’s eyes were glued on me.

“About that… To be honest, I don’t remember what happened at all. My consciousness was hazy…but I do remember attacking you.”

That had been the work of the enemy’s magic and a side effect of wielding Vald-Galgulus. Meaning the knowledge that I was the Demon Lord had been completely wiped from her memory.

…In other words, regarding Sylphy alone , she only knew what was convenient for me.

“Not to worry. It’s all over now.”

“I’m still sorry. I wasn’t myself. I had it in my head you were the Demon Lord and tried to kill you.”

“…And if that was true?”

“Huh?” Sylphy stared at me with a blank look.

…I was definitely asking something I shouldn’t. It wasn’t a question to just throw out there. I ought to enjoy the peace and leave the past where it was.

Yet, even as I understood that, I couldn’t help but ask: “If I was the reincarnation of the Demon Lord…would you kill me? Would you…hate the Demon Lord?”

Sylphy thought for a while. This extended silence brought back my good old stomach pain…and I was sweating involuntarily.

Her answer finally came. “…To be honest, I’d hate you. I want to kill him, and that isn’t something that would go away easily.”

“I—I see.”

It was the most obvious of answers. I should have known that without having it confirmed. What was I doing? Did I want her to forgive me? How stupid. There was no way—

“But you know, I would want to kill him, but I wouldn’t. I’d hate him, but…someday I’ll let that go. After all, my sister Lydie definitely wouldn’t want me to hold a grudge.”

My eyes widened in surprise. Before me, Sylphy clutched both hands tightly to her chest.

“Even though he killed her, I don’t think she hated him… I think she was saying the people left behind shouldn’t hate him, either. And…that if I didn’t listen to her, she’ll give me a beating in the next world. That’s what I think she meant.”

As if reminiscing about Lydia, Sylphy began to well up with tears. She took a breath and shook her head, then looked straight at me.

“Even if you were the reincarnation of the Demon Lord, I wouldn’t do anything. I wouldn’t even ask about the past. You know, she said all the time that life will be foolish if you keep hold of each and every resentment… I want to become like her. I want to live like her. And…” Sylphy broke out into a soft, tearful smile.

“The next time I see her, I want us to laugh from the bottom of our hearts. That’s why I don’t hold a grudge against him.”

I couldn’t say anything. All words escaped me, leaving me with feelings even I couldn’t understand.

She chuckled. “Anyway! I’m gonna enjoy my life as a student to the max! I’m looking forward to our extracurricular activities , Sis!”

“Agreed! No work, all play!”

“…Um, don’t forget about me. Oh, so you’re just gonna ignore me? I see. I don’t particularly mind, I’ll have you know.”

Ireena and Sylphy squealed happily. Ginny glared at them.

I couldn’t help but break into a smile.

Life as students with Sylphy. It was a future I was actually looking forw—

BOOOOOOOOOOOM! 

…looking forward to , I was about to say.

But before I could finish my thought, a part of the school building exploded and crumbled.

“Aaaaaaaaaaah!”

“What?! What was that?!”

As angry bellows and terrified shrieks surrounded us, I naturally looked at Sylphy. “…What did you do?”

“Wh-what’s that look for?! Not everything is my fault!”

“…You’re telling me you have nothing to do with this?”

“Nope! It’s proof someone set off my trap!”

“…Trap? There was a trap in the academy?”

“Exaaactly! It’s always hard to tell friend from foe! Which is why I set traps in all sorts of shady places! Hee-hee! Seems we’ve got one already! Serves them right!”

I guessed it was to protect Ireena and our classmates, but it was just plain annoying. It didn’t matter how you looked at it.

And who was caught in her mischievous behavior this time?

“Gaaah! Syyyyylphyyyy! Where are you, you idiiiiiiiot?!”

Our big sister, Olivia vel Vine.

A howl fueled with rage filled the whole school as her disheveled figure came roaring toward us as if she’d used detection magic. “Damn yoooou! You’ve got some nerve setting a trap in my secret potato field at school! This is the last straw! Get ready, ’cause I’m gonna slice you up gooood!”

“Aaaaaaaargh?!” 

A dangerous game of tag began between a Heavenly King and the Raging Champion. Watching the two fly into a clamorous uproar, I sighed as I had a thought. I changed my mind. Could this girl please go somewhere else? 

After the dust settled, and as I carried Sylphy on my back since she’d fainted with fear, Ireena, Ginny, and I made it to the front of the dorms. I was willing to bet these busy days were to continue from here on. Honestly, it was annoying as hell.

I smiled dryly to myself at this.

“Um, Ard. Might I have a moment?” Ginny had called out to me. “There is something that has been bothering me… Would you mind if I ask you something?”

“Not at all. If I can help you, then by all means.”

“…It’s about the night you stopped Miss Sylphy.”

There was no doubt about the subject of her question.

“Miss Sylphy was speaking with that illusion… A Champion, right? What in the world was that about?”

I had been tossed into a hefty trial—something I obviously needed to handle.

“…Ard, could you be the Demon Lord?”